Substance profile
Dibromomethane
Dibromomethane is a clear, colorless liquid.
01 · Identification
What Dibromomethane is
Dibromomethane is a clear, colorless liquid. Its molecular formula is CH2Br2 and its molecular weight is 173.83 g/mol. It boils at 97 °C, melts at -52.5 °C, is miscible with water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Warning.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H332 | Harmful if inhaled. |
| H412 | Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
Precautionary statements: P260, P271, P273, P304, P312, P501
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Dibromomethane properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 97 °C (206.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 97 °C (206.6 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -52.5 °C (-62.5 °F) | HSDB | |
| -52.7 °C (-62.9 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 2.5 g/cm³ | ICSC | |
| 2.4969 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | HSDB | |
| 2.497 g/cm³ | at 20 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Miscible with chloroform, alcohol, ether, acetone | HSDB | |
| > 10% in acetone | HSDB | ||
| > 10% in ether | HSDB | ||
| Vapor pressure | 87.89 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| 40 mmHg | at 23.3 °C | HSDB | |
| 44.4 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Autoignition temperature | 515 °C (959 °F) | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 6.05 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 6 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 309.85 °C (589.7 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Dibromomethane
Storage conditions
... MATERIALS WHICH ARE TOXIC AS STORED OR WHICH CAN DECOMP INTO TOXIC COMPONENTS DUE TO CONTACT WITH HEAT, MOISTURE, ACID, OR ACID FUMES, SHOULD BE STORED IN COOL, WELL VENTILATED PLACE, OUT OF DIRECT RAYS OF SUN, AWAY FROM AREAS OF HIGH FIRE HAZARD & SHOULD BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED & MONITORED.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Although apparently stable on contact, mixtures of potassium (or its alloys) with a wide range of halocarbons are shock-sensitive & may explode with great violence on light impact. Chloroethane, dichloroethane ... dibromomethane & diiodomethane are among those investigated. Sensitivity increases generally with the degree of substitution ...
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as DIBROMOMETHANE, are moderately or very reactive. Halogenated organics generally become less reactive as more of their hydrogen atoms are replaced with halogen atoms. Low molecular weight haloalkanes are highly flammable and can react with some metals to form dangerous products. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals (potassium), and epoxides.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Dibromomethane in the storage compatibility matrix →